The team at GLT specialise in getting PBS combinations on the road, especially PBS 30 meter A-Doubles. There is a process to having new or current trailers approved and we will be there to guide you through each step of the way.

GLT contracts specialised engineering firms who are approved by the NHVR to assess PBS combinations using their computer simulations. The truck and trailer combinations must pass the strict criteria set out by the NHVR. Specifications including tyre brand and model will be listed and must be fitted to your combination before permits are issued. You may also have load height restrictions to comply with. The specifications of the combinations and any restrictions will be given to you by GLT early in the process.

The table below shows a step-by-step guide to getting a PBS combination on the road under 3 different scenarios.

PBS A-Double Trailers

Common Purchasing Scenarios

Scenario: New Build

You are purchasing new trailers and want to drive on routes which already have PBS A-Doubles running. Allow 14 weeks to be issued with a permit (best case scenario).

Supply GLT with drawings of the prime mover(s) you want to use with the PBS A-Double. Hot tip, get a prime mover with a small wheel base.

You will need to work out which trailer types will make up your A-Double combination:

A GLT slider can be used in this combination when running a second lock position. This trailer will offer greater flexibility allowing you to run as a road train and B-Double.

Both the chassis tippers and tip over axles can have straight, wedge and drop deck bodies.

*Estimated tare weights, depending on final spec of the unit.

Supply GLT with drawings of the prime mover(s) you want to use with the PBS A-Double. Hot tip, get a prime mover with a small wheel base.

Once you have worked out your trailer combination type, GLT will draw the combination and quote the trailers. The GLT combination drawing is a preliminary check of overall length, ADR compliance, and axle spacings to achieve full mass. The quote will include:

PBS design fees.

PBS sign-off fees: Once the trailers are built, a PBS certifier will come to our facility and measure the combination with your prime mover. Offsite inspections can be organised with an additional cost.

If you are going to be on routes requiring IAP tracking and load scales, we will also quote hardware and installation costs.

GLT will only start building your trailers once we get a design approval number (DA) from the NHVR. This can take up to 3 weeks for the approval to come through.

Once the trailers are built, you will need to bring the prime mover(s) used in the PBS application to GLT when picking up the new trailers. The prime mover and trailers are then measured by a PBS certifier.

The PBS certifier will submit paperwork to the NHVR which declares that the prime mover and trailers match the DA.

After about 4 weeks the NHVR will issue you with a vehicle approval number (VA).

Once you have your VA, you are then able to start applying for permits. Permits may be issued within 4 weeks or can take up to several months.

Scenario: Reverse Certification

You are purchasing new trailers and want to drive on routes which already have PBS A-Doubles running. Allow 14 weeks to be issued with a permit (best case scenario).

Supply GLT with drawings of your prime mover(s) and trailers you want to use in the PBS A-Double combination. GLT will provide you with a quote covering PBS design and application fees. If you are going to be on routes requiring IAP tracking, we will also quote hardware and installation costs.

GLT will draw the combination and will provide you with feedback on whether the combination will be approved. If your combination looks good, we will organise the PBS certifier to measure your combination. This is then sent to the assessors with your other details. The certifier is involved at this stage to ensure that the combination drawing matches the physical combination.

The PBS assessors will submit your drawing to the NHVR.

The certifier will hold the paperwork until the NHVR sends out the design approval number (DA). When the DA is issued, the certifier will complete the paperwork and provide it to the NHVR.

The NHVR will then issue you with a vehicle approval number (VA). There can be up to a 4 week gap between step 4 and 5.

Once you have your VA, you are then able to start applying for permits. Permits may be issued within 4 weeks or can take up to several months.

Scenario: PBS A-Double on a new route

You are purchasing new trailers and want to drive on routes which do not currently have any PBS A-Doubles running on them. Allow 20 weeks to be issued with a permit (best case scenario).

Supply GLT with drawings of the prime mover(s) you want to use with the PBS A-Double. Hot tip, get a prime mover with a small wheel base.

You will need to work out which trailer types will make up your A-Double combination:

A GLT slider can be used in this combination when running a second lock position. This trailer will offer greater flexibility allowing you to run as a road train and B-Double.

Both the chassis tippers and tip over axles can have straight, wedge and drop deck bodies.

*Estimated tare weights, depending on final spec of the unit.

Once you have worked out your trailer combination type, GLT will draw the combination and quote the trailers. The GLT combination drawing is a preliminary check of overall length, ADR compliance, and axle spacings to achieve full mass. The quote will include:

PBS design fees.

PBS sign-off fees: Once the trailers are built, a PBS certifier will come to our facility and measure the combination with your prime mover. Offsite inspections can be organised with an additional cost.

If you are going to be on routes which require IAP tracking and load scales, we will also quote hardware and installation costs.

Supply GLT with drawings of the prime mover(s) you want to use with the PBS A-Double. Hot tip, get a prime mover with a small wheel base.

GLT will only start building your trailers once we get a design approval number (DA) from the NHVR. This can take up to 3 weeks for the approval to come through.

Once the trailers are built, you will need to bring the prime mover(s) used in the PBS application to GLT when picking up the new trailers. The prime mover and trailers are then measured by a PBS certifier.

The PBS certifier will submit paperwork to the NHVR which declares that the prime mover and trailers match the DA.

After about 4 weeks the NHVR will issue you with a vehicle approval number (VA).

Once you have your VA, you are then able to start applying for permits. Permits may be issued within 4 weeks or can take up to several months.